Narcs: Missing juvenile located at home of meth labs

Hunsucker

JENNA-LEY HARRISON

Staff Writer

The search for an out-of-county, missing juvenile over the weekend led area narcs to the site of two active meth labs at a residence located southeast of Lincolnton, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies responded to 5719 Country Lane in Stanley around 4:30 p.m. Sunday to look for the juvenile, according to a Sheriff’s Office press release.

Cornelius Police Department requested the local law enforcement agency’s assistance in the case.

Upon entry into the residence, deputies said they immediately detected the stinch of drugs.

Following a search, drug investigators uncovered two labs at the home, including one inside a laundry room, investigators said.

A homeowner even tried but failed to trash a two-liter bottle with active meth ingredients before officers could find it, according to the release.

Investigators said they also found ingredients from previous labs that had been cooked inside the home.

Resident Ashley Nicole Hunsucker, 27, was arrested in the incident and charged with one felony count each of manufacturing a schedule I controlled substance and maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.

A number of people were removed from the residence, including the missing juvenile and four other men ages 19 to 26.

The juvenile was transferred to officials with Cornelius police.

Agents with the State Bureau of Investigation are set to arrive later today to clean up the crime scene.

Hunsucker remains behind bars without bond. Her first appearance in district court is set for today.